History of La Crema
Founded in 1979 under the original name La Crema Vinera—Latin for “the best of the vine”—the estate was born out of a vision to focus solely on cool-climate varietals in California. From its inception, La Crema embraced a philosophy rooted in the meticulous exploration of microclimates and soil diversity to express the nuanced character of each vineyard.
In 1993, La Crema was acquired by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke, founders of Jackson Family Wines, who elevated its profile through strategic vineyard acquisitions and a commitment to sustainability. Under their stewardship, La Crema expanded its reach from Sonoma to include other prestigious coastal appellations such as the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, Monterey, Willamette Valley (Oregon), and Sta. Rita Hills. Each step in this growth was guided by an unwavering belief in site expression and small-lot winemaking.
Today, winemaker Craig McAllister leads the cellar with a precision-focused approach, combining traditional techniques like hand-harvesting and barrel aging with a modern sensitivity to balance and freshness. His work continues to emphasize vineyard individuality, especially in La Crema's acclaimed single-vineyard bottlings.
Region and Vineyards
La Crema’s vineyard holdings and grower partnerships span across coastal and hillside terroirs, all defined by their cool climates, fog influence, and complex soils. The Russian River Valley, with its Goldridge soils and diurnal shifts, is central to the estate’s identity, offering silky, aromatic Pinot Noir and rich yet vibrant Chardonnay.
In Monterey, La Crema captures the marine-influenced freshness and extended growing seasons through wines with tropical nuance and mineral tension. In Willamette Valley, the estate has embraced Oregon’s volcanic and sedimentary soils, producing elegant, high-acid Pinot Noirs with floral and savory complexity.
Each vineyard - be it Saralee’s, Gran Moraine, or Zena Crown - is farmed with an emphasis on sustainability. All estate vineyards are certified sustainable, and vineyard practices include soil health management, water conservation, and biodiversity enhancement.
Wine Range of La Crema
La Crema’s wine portfolio is built around cool-climate expression, varietal purity, and elegant structure, with a primary focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The range includes both regional appellation blends and limited single-vineyard bottlings, complemented by carefully selected alternative varietals.
- Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: Signature wines of the estate, offering bright acidity, red berry finesse, and coastal minerality.
- Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: Richer, more textured expressions with ripe cherry, plum, baking spice, and citrus zest, drawn from fog-cooled, low-vigor vineyards.
- Monterey Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris: Wines marked by tropical fruit notes, crisp acidity, and saline freshness, sourced from marine-influenced Central Coast vineyards.
- Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: Elegant, floral, and restrained, these Oregon-grown wines deliver fine tannins and cool-climate precision.
- Anderson Valley Pinot Noir: A limited-production wine with lifted aromatics, wild berry character, and earthy complexity from Mendocino’s remote coastal hills.
- Single-Vineyard Selections (e.g., Saralee’s, Kelli Ann, Bellflower): Micro-parcel wines highlighting terroir nuance, clonal diversity, and barrel-aged structure.
- Rosé of Pinot Noir: A seasonal release showcasing delicate red fruits, floral notes, and a dry, vibrant finish.
- Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County: A recent addition to the range—fruit-forward and softly structured, this wine marks La Crema’s debut in Bordeaux varieties while maintaining a cool-climate signature.
- Sparkling Rosé (limited release): Crafted in small quantities, offering freshness, elegance, and refined effervescence.
Did you know?
La Crema was among the first wineries to recognize the world-class potential of cool-climate coastal sites in California for Pinot Noir, long before they became fashionable. The winery’s original name—La Crema Vinera—is a tribute to its founding principle: producing only “the best of the vine.”
